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protosspals · 4 years

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The ABCs of Starcraft: A is for Alarak and Artanis

((My friend and I have come up with a prompt list for the full alphabet and will be writing one shots for each letter. Today’s prompt is for the letter A and I chose the dearest Highlord Alarak and Hierarch Artanis together.))

The night was dark and stormy which was the type of night Alarak preferred. The flashes of lighting through the purple mist of Terrazine that covered his planet at this time was soothing to him. This was where he had been born and where he had fought his way up using wits and claw to claim his right to rule. It was all his now, yet...

“When is Artanis supposed to arrive Martal? Should he not have been here by now? Perhaps I should devise a punishment for his lateness. It’s not proper to keep your Highlord waiting after all.” He grumbled, his mood as volatile as the storm raging around them.

“Hierarch Artanis and his fleet have arrived Highlord. They are orbiting the planet now and waiting for the storm to pass so they might have a safer landing.” Martal chirped in his robotic tone as he hovered nearby his leader prepared to do any task demanded of him. “Of course he would fear the storm, the Khalai are a bunch of cowards. By this point, he might as well just tuck tail and return home to Aiur.” He said returning from where he had been pacing in the middle of his room to look out the window again.

“Shall I send word to them to leave? Or would you rather I go and retrieve the Hierarch for you personally my Highlord?” Martal asked hs sensor seeming to shine more brightly with the idea of kidnapping the Hierarch from under the watch his guards surely had in him. Alarak had to admit, the thought of Artanis’ look of outrage in such an event and the chaos it would cause was tempting.

“No. Not this time. Send Ji’nara to... politely escort the Hierarch to our meeting place. Specify to her to let Artanis know that if a bit of thunder is going to keep him away, he might as well leave for there will be nothing here for him any longer. The festival ends with daybreak anyway.” He finally said and with his mind made up, he left the room to make his way to the designated location they had discussed for this event.

The Festival of the Blood Rose was an annual event for the Tal’darim. Once per Slayn’s solar orbit (a time which took half of what it would be an Earth year) there would be a break in the Chain of Ascension. For that one night, movement up and down the chain was untethered by your current position. It allowed those who were young and strong to gain positions as Ascendants without wanton murder of all those above them. It also was the night of marriages.

In Tal’darim tradition, they did not ask for marriage, they took the right. In the past that had lead to positions of unhappiness, one Alarak knew well as his own mother had been claimed by a cruel man she did not love due to her beauty. Alarak had changed things. Now the claim could be challenged, by both the one being claimed or one that agreed to fight in their stead. This allowed the tradition to continue in a way his people were used to, but gave those without as much power the opportunity to protect themselves through appointing someone stronger to fight the claim for them. It wasn’t perfect, but he had more plans to implement in the future to further protect those who didn’t want the marriage from being forced into it.

However, tonight, that was not what was important to him. Tonight, the most important thing was that Artanis was going to be participating in the celebrations. He might have been a bit vague about things, but he knew Artanis would forgive him or it... eventually. Alarak was going to take what he wanted just as he always had. Khalai customs of giving gifts and going on silly dates was just so tedious and boring.

Of course, if Artanis didn’t even bother to show up in time then Alarak couldn’t claim him since he wasn’t part of the chain. It would ruin everything. So of course he was upset.

Artanis was nervous the lightning could affect the warp beam, but at the second and third messages, he rolled his eyes and acquiesced.

Landing at the approved location in his full ceremonial armor, he looked around just as Alarak's second approached, his head bow to her answered in kind before she started walking away, an obvious silent request to follow her which he took, his required guards the council had sent with him like he was a child following along obediently. He huffed in mild annoyance at the whole situation, they swiftly migrated through the city to the edge of the arena. His name was submitted to the lists before he emerged, bright and visible in his white and gold among the crowds of black.

Alarak had been sitting sideways in his throne which was placed in a box above the arena where he could watch everything easily but he perked up and sat forward when he finally saw Artanis step onto the field. The Hierarch looked glorious as ever in his polished armor but Alarak knew Artanis wouldn't mind staining the set with a little extra blue from battle. He was excited to watch.

There were many warriors eager to challenge not just a Khalai, but the Hierarch himself and Artanis had countless battles to wade through, the healers endlessly busy thanks to him. When he was finally allowed a break, he sat to clean some of the blood off, his muscles warmed albeit covered in sweat as lightning crashed in both the atmosphere and his eyes when he began again. He would prove his place amongst these people and earn the unity he so desperately wanted with them. Not just due to their Highlord either.

After Artanis had proven himself enough to the Tal'darim people and earned himself a rank amongst the Ascendants, Alarak finally lost his patience. He waited for the current battle to finish before standing up and demanding the attention of his people.

"You have seen the grace and power of the Hierarch of the Daelaam, many of you now have felt the sting of his blades. He has earned his place as a warrior of our highest rankings. So now, before you all, before any others dare to cast their gaze on what's mine, I claim Hierarch Artanis as my own. Let any who oppose my claim speak their challenge now!" He said, his eyes and voice echoing with power as he stepped from his box into the air, a red cloud of power forming at his feet to carry him carefully to the ground in front of Artanis.

Blue eyes narrowed as Artanis glared at him, blades fizzling out so he could cross his arms. "So... this is why you invited me. I challenge you then, Highlord. For my own hand."

Alarak eyes squinted with joy and approval. "I would expect nothing else Hierarch." He said back as he stepped back into the starting position on his side of the field adrenaline already rushing through his veins. He had longed for this fight since they first met, now he would not lose.

Psionic plate and pauldrons shifting around for a power boost, he took his place and lit one blade, holding it up to his face in a silent challenge to Alarak before they ran at one another, their weapons meeting with a thud of psionics.

It was like watching two copies of one being, one dark and one light, just smashing into one another like titans, Artanis even tossing his opponent a good distance before chasing after him. He couldn't afford to lose or the Daelaam would be seen as weaker, his claws digging into dark armor.

The Arena seemed to be getting damaged more than either opponent, walls getting cracked as they threw each other into them, dirt ground beneath them being torn up by their claws. Their armor suffered as well, one of Alarak's large energy gathering shoulder plates getting broken off.

The battle was long and fierce, both Tal'darim and Khalai cheering for their leaders and watching on the edge of their seats at near misses. But finally, it was Alarak who stumbled. If it had been a fight to the death, he could of won. He had a perfect shot to take Artanis' head from his shoulders and almost acted on it in the heat of the battle. Only to have the thought freeze his muscles and it gave Artanis the opening he needed to take him down and pin him to the ground.

The lightning above illuminated Artanis as he slammed Alarak down so hard the jutting daggers in his armor embedded into the dirt, the wide grey chest heaving within the metallic confines while his knees pinned the black claws, blue power building in one hand. "Yield, Highlord."

Alarak looked into his eyes feeling the crushing blow of defeat weigh heavily in his hearts but knew he had failed. "I yield!" He yelled out so it could be heard clearly and closed his eyes feeling anger roll under his skin before he let it pass knowing he wasn't actually angry as much as disappointed in himself.

The Templar let go of his power just as a bolt struck, banishing it into the earth around them before he stood to pry Alarak from his entrapment.

Helping him stabilize, he kept a hand on the Tal'darim as he yelled for all their people to hear too. "I claim Highlord Alarak as my own! Let any who oppose my claim speak their challenge now!"

Alarak blinked, not having expected that. But the surprise only lasted a moment before it was covered with a cocky and well-worn expression. "Awww you were playing hard to get. I knew there was a reason I chose you." He said flicking Artanis' crest.

"I accept your claim through my defeat. I am yours." He said to finish the claim since he couldn't deny Artanis' right to it after being defeated.

Artanis relaxed as they started to walk off the field together so the festivities could continue. "Stubborn Tal'darim. You could have just asked."

"That is not the Tal'darim way and to do so would be a dishonor to you Artanis. I treated you as I would have any Tal'darim. I could have won but I didn't want to hurt your pride. This way will let my people respect you and the Daelaam more anyway. It was all part of my plan." Alarak said, no longer any doubt or sign of weakness to be seen. In fact, he looked even more cocky than usual.

Artanis rolled his eyes knowing the truth but letting Alarak say what he wanted. They both had won in the end and that was what mattered.

#Starcraft 2 #protoss #Tal'darim #Alarak #Artanis starcraft #Khalai #fanfic #Artanis X Alarak #One shot

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lothirielswan · 5 years

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“Garrosh’s Little Shop of Horrors.” [6]

Quest Objective: Babyproof Pandaria (and tattle on a corrupted warchief).

“How did I not see this coming? Toddlers put everything in their mouths!”

“Eona–”

“No, I'm not ignoring this. I should’ve baby proofed the entire continent.”

“Eon.” Andy stared at me sternly from across the table.

“He swallowed the Heart of the Thunder King.” I gagged at the recent memory. My alliance with Wrathion had gone south (big surprise) and ended with him acting his age. I had found nothing to aid my plight against Garrosh, nor to ease Anduin’s painful condition. Simply put, things were not going as well as I’d hoped.

Why does my family always do things like this? Grandma swallowed an entire orc, my mom bit somebody’s face off–what big leap is my diet going to make in the future…? I hate keeping secrets from Anduin, but it might be in his best interest to keep these instances hidden.

“You’re the one that gave it to him! What did you think he would do with it?” Andy asked.

“I don't know...put it on his shelf or something? Anything but devour it like me with a bag of chocolate…” I thought back on what I said. “Which I definitely have not done.”

Andy’s lips spread in a small smile, but it didn't linger long. “Why give it to him? Light, why even join him on his schemes? Family or not, I wouldn't trust him.”

“Neither do I,” I said, scooting my chair closer to his. The Stormwind guards around the stairs tensed and had no clue I’d been even closer than this. “I thought I could find a solution with Garrosh...and something to help you.”

“Me?” Anduin was dumbfounded. His tone was a softer like velvet, “That's sweet, but you shouldn't have to worry. Velen and the mistweavers said I would recover.”

I shot him a doubtful glance, but didn't argue. Andy kept his eagerness to walk around and talk to others, but I still noticed a huge difference. I had known him long enough before to see the changes: the slightly arched brow that hid a vein of pain, the posture more strained. Small changes, but huge in their implication. I couldn't imagine what agony he was really in.

Andy’s fingers slid across the table and entwined with mine. It seemed like a loving, harmless gesture, but inside it had me reeling. Is he insane? The guards just at the foot of the stairs, the innkeeper running to and fro–a simple glance upstairs! Does the Prince of Stormwind really want to hold hands with an immigrant that glows in the dark?

I sat there and gazed at our knot of fingers and hands, set atop the wooden table for everyone to see. I'm not ashamed of him–how could I? He's smart, he's kind, he's charming–he’s perfect. But how is this relationship going to work for us, out of the night and into the light?

“How are you holding up with Garrosh?” Anduin asked, breaking my inquisitive silence.

“Not well.” I admitted. “He hasn't found me yet, but I know plenty of what he's hiding. He's not going to let me get away with that.”

“What did you see?”

I tilted my head to the side, my hair brushing my cheek. “I don't want to drag you deeper into this mess with me.”

“I already met Garrosh and I walked away fine,” Anduin replied, a grin growing on his face as I squinted at him for the comment.

“That's not funny, daredevil. I was worried about you–I still am,” I said as Andy gently squeezed my fingers. “Besides, it's not just what I saw. It's what I do now that I'm stumped on.”

“Depends on what you saw.” Andy replied. He gave me a sincere look, a familiar sign of reassurance that I had witnessed multiple times on our journey. Anduin had a sense of maturity in him that rivaled creatures centuries old–and a seemingly judgeless nature. I didn't want to introduce him to Garrosh’s Phantom lair beneath the stage, but my list of trustworthy allies had grown thin.

I sighed and looked over my shoulder at the near-empty inn. “Fine, I’ll talk. But we’re doing this my way–we can’t risk eavesdroppers on this.”

I retrieved my hand from Anduin’s grasp and dug into the pockets of my green coat. I pulled out a shard of pale pink quartz, dimly glowing in the dark aroma of the inn, and caressed the sides with my fingers.

“What is that?” Andy asked as he peered at the colored stone curiously.

“A crystal,” I explained as the grooves that I traced with my fingers glared a light yellow. “Using them is common on Outland. My father used to have a bunch...I used to record music with them to listen to.”

I set it on the table when I was done and it emitted a low hum.

“What's it doing now?” Anduin asked.

“If anyone hears us talking, I wish them good luck on translating ancient Darnassian.” I replied and looked away from the crystal. “I’ll start from the beginning.”

Andy nodded. I sucked in one last breath, feeling the oxygen fill my lungs. I knew that once it left, one of the most dangerous secrets I ever had to keep would escape with it.

I told him. I told him everything–from the machines designed for death to the peculiar cries in the dark caverns. I recalled the fires licking hot iron rods, eager to consume more. I told him every disgusting detail that haunted my nights until I was finally finished.

“Okay…” The shake of my voice had worn off and returned to its usual scratchiness. “What’s your take on that?”

Andy fingers were steepled together and eyes wide after my tale. I feared I had broken him until he asked, “...Is eavesdropping a habit of yours?”

“That's it? That's the first question that comes to mind?” I said, leaning an arm on the table as I blew my bangs out of my face. I was relieved that he wasn't too alarmed from my recount, but I wasn't expecting this.

“Well, recalling how we met, you were spying on General Nazgrim–”

“I wasn't snooping! I was hiding for my life and falling on my ass–two of my greatest specialties.” I remarked. Many memories of my life included running, hiding, and falling–not necessarily in that order.

“I respectfully disagree–I always considered your talents to be your effortless gracefulness and enthralling humor.” Anduin replied with a heart-stopping smile. It was one of the few times that he had succeeded in flirting with me without it become a quick–or stuttering–mess. Both left me blushing with my insides askew like I had done a row of flips.

I adore him to pieces. Inside I silently reassured myself on masking our conversation. I shook my head, trying to dismiss my crimson cheeks, “My nosy profession aside–what do you think I should do?”

“Hmm,” Anduin’s expression twisted as he contemplated his thoughts, “This is grave news, Eona. I must tell my father about this. Would you join me to speak with him and inform him about Orgrimmar’s state?”

My chest tightened. I actually favored his previous reaction over this one. I wrung my hands as I found the right words, “I...I agree that Varian should know. However, I would probably be killed on the spot, and I think the Horde should be told about this first.”

I sat up straighter in my chair, “If we tell the Alliance, there’s a chance that they’ll blame the entire Horde for this–and not every member is responsible for Garrosh’s...little shop of horrors. I can't do anything to stop Garrosh myself, that would be suicide. I need a loophole…”

We sat together in silence for a minute. Anduin’s hand returned to mine like water to a beach, brushing my knuckles with his thumb in wavelike movements.

“You know of Jaina? Of Theramore–? Well, what was Theramore,” Andy said in an apologetic tone. “I grew up with her, and she was acquainted with High Chieftain Baine. If any of the Horde leaders would listen to you, he would be one of them.”

My eyes narrowed, and my gaze traveled to the balcony. I stood before the railing and peered over the heads of customers, searching for one I knew. A deeper voice and glowing armor plates confirmed my thoughts.

Dezco.

I turned to look back at Andy. “Have you spoken with Sunwalker Dezco recently?”

Anduin shrugged. “A few days ago. He came to speak with me of the light.”

On Baine’s behalf my pink ass. I returned to our table and shut down the crystal. “If you don't mind, I may speak with him.”

“What are you going to say?” Andy asked.

~*~

“Hi.”

Dezco groaned, a loud sound like thunder given his size and his mane shook as he looked over at me. I sat cross legged on a barstool nearby with an innocent look on my face.

“I assume you’ve already spoken with Prince Anduin on Baine’s behalf.” I noted, throwing the lie back at him as the pandaren bartender listened in across the counter.

“What–? Oh, I have,” Sunwalker Dezco confirmed as his gaze returned to his drink. Given the Horde’s high regard of honor, I was shocked he even told the lie. Perhaps it was just a defense mechanism. “And I assume you have done the same.”

I shrugged nonchalantly. “He speaks very highly of you. Nice pauldrons.”

The Sunwalker stiffened as I noted his glowing shoulderpads. He recovered quickly, “I’ll admit, I’m surprised that you are wearing the same thing since I saw you last.”

I glanced down at my outfit, a mesh of greens and browns. I had worn it for most of my journey across Pandaria and it had kept me alive–wearing flashy clothing in my profession was suicide. All that mattered was that I was warm (which was almost always) and could move with ease.

“I value my life, not my wardrobe.” I said.

“Not very many share your opinion.” Dezco didn't clarify whom, but I knew what he meant.

Most of my people are haughty jerks–I can't blame him for loathing me on the spot. I like to think that I’m different; maybe not as rude but definitely irritating. I can't judge myself fairly, but neither can he.

The bar was quiet given Wrathion’s constant presence and the watchful gaze of the Stormwind guards. No matter how low I willed my voice to go, I knew Dezco could hear me. I turned my body towards him and leaned on the side of the bar, “Forgive me, but you don't seem like one to judge a book by it's cover–especially when you traveled here to speak with a human priest.”

There was a noticeable change in the tauren’s chestnut eyes. “The forgiveness is mine, it seems.”

The silent aroma of the inn invaded our conversation. I knew where our exchange of words had to end up, but to get there was a mental maze. Dezco certainly did not give me any time to decode it when he spoke again, “You sought out my company, is there something you need?”

The bartender had left his post behind the bar and ventured out to the tables to refill drinks. There was no need for secrecy.

“I would like to seek council with your High Chieftain.” I admitted.

“Last we spoke, you thought I was a spy of Garrosh’s, so I gather that won't be easy.”

“No, afraid not.”

I was starting to hear how naive and hopeful I sounded. My fingers wanted to tapdance across the counter but I kept them still.

If I can't get off this continent, I'm cornered here until Garrosh finds me. I could pass on my message to Anduin and he could inform the Alliance–but what violence would they unleash upon the rest of the Horde?

I was about to cut off our failed chat when a fist slammed the bar space between us. Dezco flinched and I looked up at Wrathion.

Ever since eating the Thunder King’s Heart, he had been receiving visions (and waves of nausea) and had retired to the shadows of the inn. Now he arose from his stealthy slumber and stared down the tauren with deadshot eyes.

As Wrathion withdrew his hand from the counter, I noticed gashes in the wood from his talons. The bartender would be furious, but I doubted he would ask Wrath to pay reparations.

“We have not met,” Dezco replied, baffled at Wrath’s theatrical nature.

“It does not matter,” Wrath’s tone was as elegant and refined as satin, but a subtle ferocity was sewn in. His white turban perched atop his head, slightly bouncing with every slight move like the fabric was nodding along with it's master’s intentions.

“You will fill any request this woman gives you with class and respect.” Wrathion’s last words were more of a hiss. “If she needs to leave this island, you will help her do so in any way necessary. Have I made myself clear?”

I felt sympathy for Dezco after just connecting with him. Even if the tauren’s sitting form still towered high above Wrathion, Dezco stared down at him like the most dangerous snake in the world.

The Sunwalker rose to his hooves and bowed his large head in my direction. “My apologies. I will speak with my escort and see what we may conjure to return to Thunder Bluff.”

Dezco stomped out of the inn like a bull provoked. Wrathion slid onto the barstool next to mine and summoned the barkeep back with a simple gesture. The poor pandaren hurried over and set two full cups on the counter.

“What was that all about?” I said, thanking the frazzled bartender with his fur standing on end as I took my drink. The liquid reeked of lime, and when I finally raised it to my lips I identified it as a mojito. I would’ve told him no alcohol since he was underage, but I held my tongue.

“You were kind enough to help me with my plans, even if that meant sneaking around your royal school boy upstairs.” Wrath remarked, and claimed the other mojito as he took a sip. I couldn't help the glare that formed when he did so, but I knew better than to complain.

“Besides, we did not find what you wanted the first time. Consider this a profitable loss,” Wrath added.

“Thank you.” I truly meant it when I said it. Ever since I had met Wrathion he was sort of...apathetic at times. It was nice to see him care about other living beings–for a short time, anyway.

“Only for my sister,” Wrath knocked his mug against mine as he stood. Before he moved to leave, he bent down close to my ear.

“But I take what I want. And I will steal your delicious blond boyfriend upstairs while you’re gone and...salten him a little.”

I gawked at him as he stood upright and cleared his throat. “Enjoy your trip. I suddenly have the urge to walk the path of enlightenment.”

The bartender gave me a pitiful look and a free refill as I heard Wrathion climb the stairs behind me. “Oh Anduin! I’d like to show you how I put the ‘stud’ in Bible study!”

This family has a sick way of saying ‘I love you.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Continue the journey to the next chapter here!

Not sure where you are? Check the Caverns of Time for more chapters!

#mists of pandaria #world of warcraft #wrathion #anduin wrynn #eona strider

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